Love beyond ice

THE KIDNAP A loud heavy bang was heard feet’s away from the blindfolded struggling silhouette,as the heavy rain poured down violently against the filthy dark windows of the derelict abandoned warehouse. She paused immediately in her struggle,as she keenly paid attention to the faint sound of footsteps approaching her direction slowly.she murmured loudly as the the tight tape wrapped around her lips prevented her from yelling out. “I’m here”, Esme murmured one more time as she shook and struggled violently,while being helplessly strapped to the old wooden chair,which creaked noisily against the rough floor surface. Esme’s wrists throbbed where the rough brown rope had cut into her delicate skin,with each movement sending a shiver of heart wrenching pain up her arms. Suddenly, her blindfold was yanked off, and an immediate reflection from the lingering torches penetrated deep into her strained hazel eyes, as she blinked hard against the hash reflection. Esme’s eyes adjusted to see Don Carson’s men- clad in black,and their faces set with resolve and determination, as a deep sigh of relief escaped her lips. “ let’s get her out of here at once”, the leader of the mob commanded, his voice a low, vengeful growl. They moved with military precision,cutting the ropes and lifting her gently,yet swiftly. Outside, the nights air was a cool,soothing fresh balm, contrast to the nightmare Esme had experienced in the warehouse. A little drop of tear escaped Esme’s eyes, swiftly, strolling down her cheeks,as she breathed in a long soothing air of relief. She felt gratitude and freedom once more as she gazed at the tiny, beautiful stars lined up in the sky. “I’m saved”,Esme thanked secretly in her mind, as she clamped to the grip of her savior once more while generously inhaling the minty fresh cold air, which was a stark contrast to the old, musty warehouse odor which embraced her nostrils for days. In a swift involuntary movement,Esme was whisked into the sleek black SUV which roared to life as it sped away into the darkened streets, leaving the dilapidated warehouse far behind. Esme’s mind whirled with questions and fears,as she silently sat through the awkward long ride back to the Black-havens estate. The heavy large black metallic gates swung open with precision,as the SUV slowly approached the grand entrance of the Black-havens estate. The metallic barriers,adorned with distinct ironwork,and a polished shiny black coat, gleamed to the reflection of well aligned brightly lit up street lights. Esme and her company continued up the winding driveway,flanked by lush greenery and captivating floral arrangements. The estate’s majestic structure came into view,with its modern architecture and well defined sleek line’s strategically placed at the spotlights,with lined up regal palm trees illuminating the driveway. The SUV pulled up to the entrance of Don Carson’s mansion,as its facade came alive with a warm golden glow-welcoming its esteemed guests. The grand,heavy,polished wooden doors swung open,as Esme was gently carried into the lavish living room,tastefully arranged with expensive chairs and soft plush sofas,rounding the roaring fireplace. The marble floors gleamed in its sparkling presence,as the crystal chandeliers gently danced to the sound of unheard music. The air was thick with the fresh scent of burning incense,fine oils and leather,as the walls were selectively adorned with unique artifacts and expensive masterpieces from renowned artists. Beyond the living room,a formal well arranged dining area shone,with a stunning chandelier lingering above the well polished mahogany table. Situated adjacently, the vast organized kitchen area-gleamed with sleek sparkling appliances and granite countertops,perfectly set up for a well skilled culinary mastery. And just above the grand wooden stairs,the luxurious large bedrooms promised serenity and peace, each a tranquil retreat, with plush cozy carpets, soft linens and spa like en-suite bathrooms. Carson’s private chambers, tucked away on the third floor,exuded power and sophistication. It bookshelves vastly lined up against the walls,filled with rare distinct manuscripts and leather bound sophisticated tomes. The large mahogany wooden desk, and leather tucked castor chair, commanding the room’s center, and overlooking the estates breathtaking grounds. Esme sat helplessly on the soft plush sofa,setup close to the fine fire place to keep her warm as she carefully and gently nurtured her fractured knee, with her bruised bloodshot hands. Her eyes widened in utter shock as she gazed at the figure who had just barged into the heavy giant door. Reeking with an aura of his commanding presence, stood his tall, husky frame radiating sheer power and confidence. His cold piercing ice blue eyes like icy sapphires seemed to bore into her soul, while accessing her fragile figure and injuries,calculating his next move. His sharp chiseled jawline accentuated by a subtle stubble,adding to his rugged demeanor. Also,his chiseled lips, set out in a firm fine line,added to the graciousness of his captivating looks, while his well sculpted torso and veiny white hands popped through his finely tailored black suit. In his hand, held various first aid products in a box,as he carefully yet swiftly approached Esme. His swift,yet powerful steps gave out a vengeful aggressive demeanor as he observed Esme’s battered figure,reeking with unexpressed anger yet regrets. Don Carson stood right in front of Esme as he stared down at her, and almost immediately as soon as it came,a sudden flash of worry and pain that escaped his emotionless pupils,seemed to disappear, leaving him in his usual cold and fearful outlook. That was the very first time Esme had witnessed Carson gaze at a soul with emotions in his eyes,and her unsettled mind instantly went into a state of chaos and turmoil as she completely got lost on what Don Carson was feeling or thinking. Carson stooped low to gently and carefully observe her as he held her fractured knee gently in his large palms,while caressing the bruised parts with his thumbs. The air surrounding the duo grew cold,still and heavy as Carson’s aura suddenly darkened,while gazing at Esme with a bloodthirsty look,that sent shivers down her spine. “Who did this to you?” Don Carson asked Esme in a calm commanding tone,not breaking eye contact for a second, as his icy pupils seemed to dilate. Esme glanced at Carson for some seconds before replying. “Lord Gabez!” Esme finally let out,as she deeply observed his reaction. Carson suddenly let out an unexpected hysterical laughter-a laughter signaling surprise and disappointment. “I would be damned”, Carson retorted as his sudden laughter seemed to die down almost immediately. His touch was delicately gentle as he resumed tending to Esme’s wounds-with each touch and movement being delicte and careful. The cold ruthless Don,had transformed into an unexpected care taker,as his men watched the new development amused,but in hidden expressions,with the respect for their boss still unwavering. “I got you involved in all this,Esme. I am to be blamed,but I promise, you would watch me whilst I cut his throat, for turning against me and using you as a bait” Carson exclaimed, in a cold unreadable firm disposition. Esme let out a little gasp,accompanied with with a shocked unbelievable expression,as she couldn’t seem to believe her ears at the moment,because Don Carson was never the man to place any importance on a person, to the point of alleging vengeance- She had grown overtime to be one of Carson’s favorite workers,not exempted from the regular treatments given to all the workers. All of a sudden,she felt uneasy as she sensed a quick change in Don Carson’s disposition. “Get me the briefs on the escalating tensions with the rival!, the rescue was a bold move,but a glaring declaration of war”. Carson ordered at his men, as he stood upright from the well tucked in Esme. He retracted as he gazed at his men, passing an unseen information that could only be understood by his mob,as they all nodded, stamping out in unison. “In two days,prepare yourself,I am taking you out on a solo date at a reserved 5 star hotel, booked already in advance for you”. Carson let out once more hesitantly,as he looked at Esme while observing her reaction. Just as Esme thought the night would end with a pledge of vengeance,Carson completely and unexpectedly literally dropped a bomb,as it was extremely hard for her to believe her ears at the moment. She looked directly into his eyes,unsure of what to say next or utter,hoping it was just a silly ole joke,but the seriousness seeping through his eyeballs,made her realize it’s actually real. The silence in the room was charged with unspoken possibilities; as the Don-cold,calculating Carson was asking her on a date,her heart raced,not with hope,but fear and uncertainty…